This is the time of the holiday season when many begin to experience party fatigue. The socializing, karaoke caroling, and spontaneous egg-nogging can leave even the most festive individuals feeling spent. When the next grand affair rolls up on the calendar, it can feel like certain doom.
Not to fear, though, because RELEVANT is here with seasoned holiday-party expertise. Having done battle in the dense Christmas tree lobbies and mistletoe hallways of the corporate world, the team has come together to present their greatest survival tactics for every party this season. So grab another cookie and knock back another ‘nog—this advice will help anyone find a second wind.
Take your time.
Fashionably late arrivals can help avoid the exhaustion of making small talk with people who are seen every day anyway.
Wear a conversation starter.
One tried-and-true tactic is wearing a unique outfit that invites conversation. For example, try out a Stone Cold Steve Austin holiday sweater. Featuring the professional wrestler’s logo and a giant skull, the sweater never fails to spark curiosity.
And when someone asks why on God’s green earth you’d wear that Christmas sweater, try to have a nice and memorable story on hand. Something like,”At six years old, I witnessed Austin chug a beer in the middle of the ring and flip off the entire crowd.” Try to have a story that leaves an impression—and keeps the conversation flowing.
Find a strategic spot to occupy.
This advice is especially useful for introverts. While small talk can be pleasant, it can also become repetitive. The key is finding a spot that avoids high-traffic areas like the punch bowl or the food table. A quieter location ensures fewer interruptions and more meaningful conversations.
Strategic spots don’t always have to be solitary. Standing near someone with a conversation-starter outfit, for instance, allows for social proximity without being the center of attention. Alternatively, the dance floor can serve as a refuge; few will attempt small talk there.
Have an exit strategy.
Even the best holiday parties often peak within 60 to 90 minutes. To avoid overstaying and enduring diminishing returns, an exit strategy can be invaluable. Whether it’s leaving for another party, catching a movie, or citing a sitter’s curfew, having a planned departure ensures maximum enjoyment. It also creates the illusion of an enviably busy social calendar.
Don’t be that person.
It’s easy to spot the individual who documents every moment of the party on social media. Avoid being the one who insists on snapping every dish before anyone eats or coercing coworkers into appearing in a Snap story. This advice applies to Instagram stories as well—even though IG may feel slightly more polished.
Taking a break from the phone allows everyone to enjoy the moment fully.
